The co-main event of UFC 238 saw reigning flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko attempt the first defense of her title opposite a significant underdog in Jessica Eye.

Shevchenko earned the title in December, when she outpointed former strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk to assume the division’s vacant throne. Prior to this title win, the Kyrgyzstani striker had great success at bantamweight, even battling the champion Amanda Nunes to a close decision loss.

Jessica Eye, meanwhile, is also a former bantamweight. She earned this, her first UFC title shot, with victories in her first three bouts in the new UFC flyweight division, defeating Kalindra Faria, Jessica-Rose Clark and most recently, Katlyn Chookagian.

Round one began with Valentina Shevchenko landing a series of vicious kicks to the body. She followed this success up by initiating a tie-up and securing a takedown. Though Eye briefly returned to her feet, the champion promptly dragged her back to to the mat, where she climbed into crucifix position and briefly threatened with an armbar to end the round.

In round two, Valentina Shevchenko put an unbelievably violent end to things, decapitating her foe with a head-kick just 26 seconds into the period. The victorious champion paraded around the Octagon as her foe lay motionless beneath the Jumbotron.

This was a nasty one.

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This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/8/2019.